@PeepsAndCompany Gifts Giveaway With Peeps Mallow Squares Recipe 10/5

*** I was provided the following products as samples, in exchange for my honest opinion. All photos are copyright Momma Told Me 2013.

Momma Told Me: I bet I can get you to love it!

PEEPS, you love 'em, or you hate 'em.

I won't try to sway your opinion either way. I know the line is drawn pretty thick. If you love them, you likely stockpile during the after Easter clearance sales, only to forget you had them until sometimes in Fall, when you relive the season all over again. If you don't care for them, you probably still buy them to stuff in the kid's Christmas Stockings, adorn Halloween gingerbread houses, or generally feel festive. After all, there's no denying these little marshmallow fluffs are their own icon, a symbol of holiday traditions and warm memories. But, based on which side of the fence you fall, you may or may not know that Peeps are much more than sugar coated chicks and bunnies. Not only do Peeps come in a rainbow of hues and shapes, but unique flavors as well. One of my personal favorites? Raspberry Chocolate Dipped Peeps hearts around Valentine's Day.

Now, I honestly don't know why, but there's something whimsical about this particular confection. As a sweet lover, I hold many special memories and attachments to a variety of sugar filled confections. Few touch me as much as the giddy kick of joy I get from finding these mallows on my local store shelves. It often means a holiday is on it's way! But, as I said, Peeps are so much more than a seasonal snack. For the Summer the brand released a limited edition Bubblegum and charity minded Sweet Lemonade variety I'd previously featured. Last January gorgeous white Peeps graced shelves covered in a rainbow of bright colored sugar flecks. More recently the special edition Party Cake flavored marshmallows were released. With a bright teal hue, and rainbow sugar flecks, these are very similar, but have a light and creamy batter taste. The aromatic reminds me of a fresh baked white cake.

Now, if you are not particularly a fan of these colorful chicks, it is likely because you 1.) really don't care for the texture of marshmallows as a food group, or 2.) don't like the texture/combination of the mallow and classic colored sugar coat. (In the latter case, you may enjoy the seasonal bunnies, which I've seen with a smooth mallow finish instead.) No matter your reasons, Momma taught me that ingredients we might not care for individually can come together with a surprising result in a recipe. So, I've done a few sneaky chef tactics lately involving Peeps- one of which was a very simple Peeps Marshmallow Squares creation made with rainbow colored cereal balls, melted Peeps, and butter. Your children are sure to have a strong reaction to the sight of slowly melting bunnies, or chicks, in a double boiler- it's definitely worth a try at least once, for that alone.

Because of the coloring on Peeps, they make a great mallow substitution in any recipe you'd like to spice up. Our cereal was already very colorful, but the Party Cake mallows also added a light teal color the the glazed finish of the chilled cubes. Naturally, because these are confectionery marshmallows, there will be added sugar to your recipe, so always remember to adjust accordingly in fillings and fluffs. The granular sugar coating does, however, melt down quite nice and, in my opinion, add to the tacky properties in classic recipes like mallow squares.

Another thing you may not be aware of is the introduction of the Peeps and Company brand through a base brick and mortar store, and online gift shop. The 'Company' refers to the wide range of popular candy brands under Just Born, the Peeps parent company. Online at Peeps and Company you'll find an array of gifts for fans young and old, including Hot Tamales, Mike and Ike, and Peanut Chew. While you're there, also be sure to check out the seasonal and specialty Peeps like the Halloween Chocolate Mousse Spooky Cats! We received some popular tween merchandise for Sabrina (10), including a Jumbo Peeps eraser, Peeps (Pop Art Style) Microbead Pillow, branded Socks Gift Set and Scented Nail Polish Trio. It won't take a genius to guess which the young girl quickly became excited over- the nail polish. However, the micro bead pillow proved generously sized and great for lounging in front of the TV or snuggling with during video games.

The Peeps One Hot Chick Scented Nail Polish gift set sells for a mere $5.90 on the Peeps and Company Site right now and, in my humble opinion, would make the perfect stocking stuffer during the upcoming holidays. I was skeptical of how much it would smell like the various fruits (Watermelon, Strawberry, Cotton Candy), rather than nail polish, but we were pleasantly surprised. This lacquer applied with one coat, great for young kids, and had a nice fruity smell even after drying. And, of course, the bright neon colors are perfect for young girls, and young girls at heart.

Whether I've inspired you to splurge in the Peeps and Co shop, or simply give Peeps a chance as an ingredient (rather than decoration), I'm sure you can see Peeps are much more than an iconic marshmallow!

What Daughter Says: Experience Peeps in a whole new light with creative recipes substituting them for regular mallows.

1.) Place the butter and half marshmallows in a double boiler, or heat safe bowl atop a pot with 2" of boiling water. As Peeps begin to melt to entirety, add remaining Peeps, stirring constantly until consistency is even (free of lumps).

2.) Mix in cereal and stir with a wooden spoon. Transfer to a heat safe bowl to complete combining. Greasing your hands and hand mixing may enable better mallow distribution. Keep in mind mix will be hot- do not do this over the stove.

3.) Press into a pre-greased 9" x 13" or 11" x 11" pan. Top with Peeps mallows if desired. Allow to cool fully, or chill 15-20 minutes in fridge. Cut into even squares and serve. Wrap in foil and refrigerate extra squares individually for best preservation.

43 comments:

I LOVE peeps. (Shhhh, I think they are best when they are stale.)Mmmm, crunchy peeps!)I had a cat who loved peeps too. Or any marshmallow. I couldn't open a package before he was at my feet meowing for some.

I love the PEEPS® ONE TOUGH CHICK LADIES HOODIE. I think its really cute. I've tried the bubblegum-flavored Peeps (actually got a pack in my closet right now), and I fell in love. I also agree with a previous poster - I like opening up a pack and letting the air harden it a bit before eating sometimes.

Peeps remind me of childhood Easter with my Greatgrandma. Now, with 6 Grandkids of our own, we have a 9-foot Peeps tree in our living room in memory of her Easter traditions. We all love Dark Chocolate Peepsters, and my favorite is Dark Chocolate-Covered Raspberry Hearts.